Hemet

Why Quest Academy?

Quest is a 5 day project and inquiry based program. We use authentic resources to assist in learning with hands on models, activities, manipulatives, technology. Quest is not a text book based program and relies upon the trained teachers’ development of curriculum based upon student needs that coincide with the state standards.

Mission

To Personalize learning for every student by interest and need using consistent assessment, collaborative planning, student self-reflection upon data, and individualized practices to ensure each student’s highest level of engagement and success.

Vision

Community Engagement, Rigor, Emotional Safety, and a Culture of Praise

Motto

I CAN be Safe, I CAN be Responsible, I CAN be Respectful, and I CAN Commit to Excellence.

How is Quest Different?

Traditional schools are teacher centered, with the teacher focused on giving out information about “what is known.” Students are the receivers of information, and the teacher is the dispenser. Much of the assessment of the learner is focused on the importance of “one right answer.” Traditional schooling is more concerned with preparation for the next grade level and in-school success than with helping a student learn to learn throughout life.

Personalized Learning

River Springs Charter School’s Quest Academy takes a different approach, one focused on using and learning content as a means to develop information processing and problem-solving skills. Our program is student-centered, with our teachers’ role to facilitate the learning for each student. Quest students are ENGAGED in the learning process. We engage students by involving them in their own personal academic goal setting, in their school community’s leadership, as well as through active involvement in fun, hands-on projects. Quest students develop “habits of mind,” a disciplined way of thinking about new ideas. Habits of mind can be thought of as the “ground rules” for a particular discipline and include, but are not limited to, verification and respect for data in science, the importance of beauty and desirability in art, and the role of imagery and theme in literature.

We personalize learning by:

Getting to know the students and provide choices that will appeal to their interests

Setting individual goals that are attainable for each student to find success and monitor progress.

Knowing that all students are not the same

Understanding the human need for control of one’s learning and goal setting.

Offering assignments based upon choice, strengths, interest, and level of dependence.

Using different types of assessments to determine student levels.

Goal Setting

A teacher can list objectives and let the students know what is expected all day long, but if the student is not invested in the lessons, learning will not occur. When students set their own goals, either personal or academic, they are taking an active part in their education. Having a goal makes the actual learning matter more than just getting the final grade.

Student Community

At Quest, the community- both at school and beyond the school campus- is our classroom. Students learn from more than just their teachers- they learn from their parents, peers, community mentors and most importantly, from their own independent efforts and reflections.

Springs Charter Schools are parent choice schools where the community is our classroom. Our mission is to foster the innate curiosity of our students, empower their parents, and promote optimum learning by collaboratively developing a personalized learning program for each student.